Memory unit, information processing device, and method

Abstract

A memory unit comprises at least two volatile memory elements, analyzing circuitry and power gate. The memory elements may for example be latches, flip-flops, or registers. Each of the memory elements has at least two different states including a predefined reset state. The analyzing circuitry generates a power-down enable signal in response to each of the memory elements being in its reset state. The power gate powers down the memory elements in response to the power-down enable signal. The memory elements may be arranged to assume their reset states upon powering up the memory unit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a memory unit, an information processing device, and a method.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Semiconductor based logic devices often have a non-negligible power consumption due to leakage currents. Leakage currents occur notably in the interval between two subsequent state transitions. They typically persist even when the device is not performing any logical operations. Quite generally, leakage currents can only be reduced at the cost of operating speed. They are therefore a cause of concern, in particular with modern devices operating at high frequencies.[0003]A well-known solution to saving energy is to set the device, or components thereof, in a so-called sleep state or reduced power mode, when there is a certain likelihood that the device or the components will be idle for a certain period. For example, it is known to switch off a volatile memory when it is expected that the memory will not be required in a near future. The...

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